The Illinois Springfield women's basketball team battled past Missouri S&T on Thursday evening, earning a 63-56 victory in GLVC play. The Prairie Stars improve to 4-14 overall and 3-7 in GLVC play, while the Miners fall to 10-5 overall and 5-4 in conference action.
"We really stepped up on the defensive end and and focused on pushing the transition," said head coach Olivia Lett. "Having more depth is helping us, too. Amaya Asher played big minutes for us tonight and that kind of contribution will always help us push the pace."
Game Recap
- The Prairie Stars set the tone early with aggressive defensive pressure, forcing three turnovers in the first 90 seconds. However, UIS struggled to capitalize offensively, shooting just 2-10 from the floor in the opening minutes.
- Despite the slow start, the defensive effort paid off as Missouri S&T began 0-5 from the field.
- By the end of the first quarter, UIS held a narrow 12-10 lead after Emari Doby sank a pair of free throws to close out the period.
- In the second quarter, both teams found a better offensive rhythm. Missouri S&T briefly grabbed a four-point lead, but Makenna Yeager responded with a clutch three-pointer to keep UIS within striking distance.
- The Prairie Stars gained momentum heading into the half, securing a 29-26 lead behind a balanced scoring effort.
- The third quarter proved to be the turning point for UIS. A 9-0 run to open the period, fueled by contributions from multiple players, extended the lead to double digits.
- The Prairie Stars shot an efficient 5-7 midway through the quarter, while stifling Missouri S&T, who went just 1-4 in the same stretch. By the end of the frame, UIS had surged ahead 52-38, outscoring the Miners 23-12 in the quarter.
- Missouri S&T made a push in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 61-55 late in the game, but UIS held firm. The Prairie Stars snapped their three-game losing streak with a composed finish.
- Emari Doby led the Prairie Stars with a game-high 19 points, shooting 7-17 from the field and a perfect 4-4 from the free-throw line.
- Kayla Rice provided a spark off the bench, tallying 15 points, including three three-pointers, and grabbing seven rebounds.
- Niyah Udoiwod added 11 points and five rebounds, while Saharra Murphy anchored the defense with eight rebounds and four assists.
- UIS finished the game shooting 37.7% from the field and 75% from the free-throw line, with 18 points off turnovers and 17 second-chance points playing a crucial role in the victory.
UIS will host Drury on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. for another GLVC clash as part of Family Day.
Around the GLVC
Illinois Springfield 63, Missouri S&T 56
Drury 58, Indianapolis 56
Upper Iowa 65, Rockhurst 49
Missouri-St. Louis 57, Maryville 52
Quincy 89, William Jewell 67
Lewis 71, Southwest Baptist 57
McKendree 80, Lincoln 58